DNA links airport bomber in Brussels to Paris attacks

The DNA of Brussels bomber Najim Laachraoui has linked him to the Paris attacks, The Washington Post reports. Laachraoui is believed to have been the bombmaker who created the weapons used in the Paris attacks; he is now thought to have blown himself up at the Brussels airport on Tuesday, according to Arab and European intelligence officials who spoke anonymously to The Washington Post. Previously, Laachraoui had been reported to be on the loose.

The DNA linking the French and Belgian terrorist attacks further proves the reach and planning of ISIS. The Associated Press reported Wednesday that the Islamic State has trained "at least 400 fighters to target Europe in deadly waves."

Laachraoui worked with brothers Ibrahim el-Bakraoui and Khalid el-Bakraoui to carry out the bombings in Brussels. Another man also left a bomb at the airport but reportedly escaped; he remains unidentified.

Bombmakers are considered extremely valuable by ISIS; it is rare that they are involved in suicide attacks, according to terrorism experts. A frantic will written by Ibrahim el-Bakraoui perhaps hints that the extremists felt the authorities closing in, which explains Laachraoui's participation.

At least 31 people were killed in the Brussels attacks and 270 were injured.